Christopher Harding
Kimono Series
KIMONO (BIRDS RESTING ON BRANCHES), 2012 |
KIMONO (FRAIL TREE), 2007 |
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KIMONO (OBI IN THE WIND), 2011 |
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DESIGN AND REFERENCE: Relying on research of Japanese Art and referring to literature and texts gathered from around the world, Christopher shows a great respect for the long historic tradition of Kimono design while developing his designs. The historic Kimono becomes a guideline Christopher has used to interpret this art form in his elegant creations. Observations such as having the design fit comfortably within the proportions of the Kimono; the importance of the fluidity of the layout, for instance, is crucial - rarely would there be a strong pattern only on the sleeves or at the hemline. One feature must not dominate or distract, the whole Kimono must be balanced. STEPS IN THE PROCESS OF THE "KIMONO SERIES": The work is created on stretched watercolour paper. The images are drawn and rendered with gouache paints to make the painting opaque. The colour palette is strategically chosen from years of practice with this technique, which favours certain colours. A thin layer of black permanent India ink is brushed on to completely cover the entire piece. The painting is sprayed in quick succession with water; the image begins to be revealed, shedding the layer of ink, which sits upon the gouache paint. The longer the water is sprayed, more of the paint is removed. This is accomplished as the gouache paint is water-soluble while the black ink is not. The resulting effect is akin to wood block printing, another historical Japanese art form, which also uses black ink. The process creates a random and interesting combination which leaves the gouache colours lightened, giving the paint a muted effect, and leaving it with a pastel-like finish. Any part of the watercolour paper that has not been painted with gouache will remain black regardless of how long it is washed with water. THE PROCESS IN PICTURES:
The design and gouache are applied to the watercolour paper...
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The work is covered entirely with India ink
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Then the ink is removed with water! |
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FAN (SILVER BRANCH), 2011
Nikki speaks with Chris Harding about his technique.. |
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KIMONO (RADIANCE), 2005
KIMONO (POPLAR), 2010
Born in Fredericton, Christopher graduated from The New Brunswick College of Craft and Design in Advanced Studies of Surface Design in 2004, where his studies focused on learning a wide variety of surface design techniques. These studies lead to the genesis of this series of work, which were developed over the past seven years. Christopher works in a painting studio at the Charlotte Street Art and Learning Center, and recently had studio space at the Art Gallery of Ontario, where he was able to further develop and refine his unique painting style. |
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FAN (CRIMSON LEAVES), 2006
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FAN (BAMBOO LEAF), 2007 |
FAN (WAVE), 2008 |
KIMONO (LEAF SHADE), 2009 |
KIMONO (DIVINE), 2004 |
